Message from Mike: August 16, 2019

Message from Mike

August 16, 2019

Dear Wonderful Lovejoy Community:

What’s so special about the First Day of School? It’s one of those days that are full of emotions. One minute I’ll catch the kid being dropped off by the parent sprinting off with joy, and the next minute I am consoling a kindergarten mom who is getting mascara all over my shoulder while crying. It’s one of my favorite days of the year…but, Why?

It’s a New Beginning

Everyone longs for a chance to begin something. There is something almost euphoric about starting something fresh and new. Whether it is a trip, a new hobby, an adventure – no matter the cause there is nothing but potential ahead when you have a beginning. When your children enter their schools, they have all the potential before them with the opportunity for us to shine the light on them, to be all they can be.

It is like Christmas Morning

I love Christmas morning. My favorite part is the giving. It is a tangible opportunity to show my care, love and affection through gift giving. On the first day of school, we have the chance to give the gift of ourselves to our students. Each of your children comes to us in a package ready to be unwrapped so we can see all they have to offer this world. We are ready to unlock their potential!

Full Impact Moment

Sculptors have clay, Artists have canvases, Musicians have instruments, and Educators have the hearts and minds of our children. To me, there is no greater calling than having the opportunity to mold and shape young minds. In Lovejoy, the student experience is the primary filter in every decision we make.

So, ask me why I won’t sleep on Sunday night in anxious anticipation of the first day of school and you will understand why I am smiling from ear to ear.

#Lovejoy1st Day

We are working very hard to ensure we have no hiccups on the 1st day. We will have assistance from local law enforcement, etc. to help as best they can with traffic flow. We are asking for your patience as traffic will be more congested than usual during the first few days. We will see traffic begin to ease as we approach the latter part of the week.

We invite you to be a part of our 1st day of school Hashtag Contest on Monday! Use #Lovejoy1stDay on Twitter and Facebook. Or, join us as we launch our Instagram account on Monday. We will select the best first day of school picture, and the lucky winner will receive a gift card to the Lovejoy High School Store. I cannot wait to see the fun memories you share through #Lovejoy1stDay.

Week in Review

It has been an extraordinary week in Lovejoy! On Monday, we welcomed our staff back to school and launched our #OneHeartOneLovejoy campaign. The #OneHeartOneLovejoy hashtag began trending with our staff #OneHeartOneLovejoy contest. Here’s the winning picture from Willow Springs Middle School.

Yesterday we received official confirmation from the Texas Education regarding our State Performance data placing Lovejoy ISD in the top 1% of 1,201 schools in the State of Texas. Lovejoy ISD received an “A” and 98 district rating, and all of our campuses received an “A” rating and 23 distinctions. We always like affirmation that we are doing the right things when it comes to state testing, advanced placement testing or any additional assessments we use as academic measures. However, this is just one part of numerous other factors we work to instill in our Lovejoy ISD students. We strive to not only grow our students in their academic pursuits, but also in their character, integrity and who they are to become as great young men and women. I am proud of our students for once again showing why Lovejoy ISD is a world-class district, but I am even more excited about seeing the individuals they will become by being a part of Lovejoy ISD.

It’s been so much fun visiting all of the new student orientations, meet the teacher nights, and even joining in some home visits as we welcomed kindergarten students to the new school year!

Last night, I had the opportunity to share our Lovejoy successes with the Lucas City Council. It is an honor to work with the City of Lucas as we build a stronger partnership to strengthen our community and serve all of our citizens.

Student Recognitions

Lovejoy Elementary School 4th Grader Jonathan McGill was part of a special feature on WFAA on Tuesday regarding his participation in the BuddyUp Tennis program. You may view the clip here .

Congratulations to Lovejoy High School Seniors Aidan Turnbow , Luke Wheatley and Brian Jobe for their participation in the 2019 Boys State Program at the University of Texas. You may click here to read the full press release.

Congratulations to Lovejoy High School Class of 2011 Alumna Shay McAlister who won an Ohio Valley Emmy for her focus piece “The Runaway”. Shay is an investigative journalist at WHAS11 News in Louisville, KY.

We are #LovejoyProud of all of our students!

I have my 1st day of school outfit picked out. We only have 3 days until our Leopard students return, and I cannot wait!!

Proud Lovejoy Leopard,

Michael Goddard, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Lovejoy Independent School District

Stay Connected

New! Instagram

Join us for the launch of the District's Instagram account on Monday! Remember to use #Lovejoy1stDay for a chance to win a gift card to the LHS School Store!

Twitter and Facebook

Follow Dr. Goddard on Twitter @drmike_goddard.

Are you following the district on Twitter ? Have you liked us on Facebook ? Join us on social media for news and announcements.

#OneHeartOneLovejoy